Before the free-agent market opens on Friday after midnight, shopping lists have to be established. One of the first steps in determining the shopping lists is picking up or declining contracts that include an option for 2013.

Most options these days are team options, which allows teams to buy out the final year(s) on a player’s contract. Sometimes a player has the option (Rafael Soriano) and sometimes it’s a mutual option when either player or team can make the call (Ryan Ludwick).

So far, the free-agent market has not been helped much by opt-out decisions. The best players to reach the market:

The Yankees and Tigers figure to be most interested in his services. To secure them likely will take a three-year deal worth north of $30 million.

Ryan Ludwick (mutual option for $5 million that the player turned down).

Ludwick proved to be one of last winter’s bargain signings after signing with the Reds and hitting 26 homers while making $2.25 million, including incentives. He should more than double his salary with his next deal but he also should be careful where he considers. His power played ideally in cozy Great American Ball Park.

Kevin Youkilis (team option for $13 million declined)

He hit 12 homers for the White Sox after the break but a .214/.332/.395 second-half line further indicates that his career is on the decline. But cut his salary in half and all of a sudden, he doesn’t look so bad. At that kind of price, his walk rate and years in the AL East would make him a good fit for the Rays.

Stephen Drew (mutual option for $10 million declined by team)

He immediately becomes the best shortstop on the market, which is an indication of the weakness at the position as the strength of Drew’s game. Still, he finally seemed to move past the ankle injury that ended his 2011, at least on defense. His offense came around some, too. He hit .250 after an August trade to Oakland.

Scott Baker (team option for $9.25 million declined)

A good No. 3 or No. 4 closer when healthy but he missed all of 2012 with the Twins because of Tommy John surgery.

Joakim Soria (team option for $8 million declined)

The Royals would like to keep the All-Star closer but not at such a high salary since he also is coming off Tommy John surgery.

Matt Capps (team option for $6 million declined)

A balky shoulder limited him to three appearances in the second half for the Twins but he was 14 of 15 in save chances before the break. His days of closing likely are over but, if he’s healthy, he can contribute to just about any team’s bullpen.

Luke Scott (team option of $6 million declined)

A left-handed power hitter who has had trouble staying healthy for the past two seasons. Because many teams have started using several players at DH, Scott might have to settle for a minor-league deal in 2013. The Rays aren’t likely to pay him anything close to what he made in 2012, though.

Travis Hafner (team option of $13 million declined)

See Scott, except Hafner has had trouble staying healthy for the past five seasons. He hit 12 homers with a .228 average while making the most of any players on the Indians.